Wadefishing at night with Topwaters by Captain Jim Onderdonk

The same thing happens every year. By mid-summer people are complaining about the heat and don't want to fish. Most people are ready to stop this time of year before noon. That's why I am here, to share a secret with you about fishing in South Texas at night. At night, it is of course cooler outside, but also the water cools down and those big speckled trout start to really move and feed. There is nothing like catching one of these big fish at night, when you can't even see them explode on your lure. Here I will show you how to fish, where to go, and when to do it.

First of all, NEVER go out alone! Many things can happen while navigating waterways after dark and or while wade fishing! Here are a few safety tips:

* Check that your night navigation equipment works properly, and that you and/or your fishing buddy know the area well.

* Wear personal floatation devices while driving the boat.

* Be sure to leave a trip plan with someone back home.

* Plan your wade, where you want to start your first wade, to your second or third, you may not ever have to leave your first spot!

HOW: Once you have arrived at your first location safely, make sure that your anchor light stays on. This will also give you some bearing and help getting back to the boat. Strap on a L.E.D. head lamp, they are a must. L.E.D. head lamps are readily available and allow hands-free, much-needed light.

In addition to the headlamps, get some glow sticks as well. These are the type that activate and light up when you bend/crack/shake them. What you do is tie the glow stick to some string and hang it like a necklace, draping down over your back. This will also help to prevent boaters from coming too close, and keep your fishing partner from hitting you with a lure. Worst case scenario, it can also be a good emergency backup light to get to the boat. While wading, don't get too far apart.

WHEN: I have had my best luck around a full moon. The moon light helps silhouette your baits, thus making for any easy target for a hungry trout out on the prowl! Try tying a 10 to 12 inch leader to the first snap ring, next to the treble hook. Rig a 1/6th oz jig head with a plum or morning glory colored plastic (dark colors) and tie it on the leader (called Donk's tangler).

Yes, it sounds crazy, but I promise it works. You work this rig just like you would any other topwater, but will get way more strikes on the trailing lure! If you are using braided fishing line with this setup you will have even more sensitivity for when the fish strike.

Solunar tables can be another useful tool. What I try to do is fish two hours before through 2 hours after what the tables call a "major feeding period". This tends to have the best results for me, but isn't a guarantee by any means.

WHERE: There are many places in South Texas to go for Trophy Trout. I fish all around Baffin Bay, including Alazan Bay and East Kleberg point. Hopefully these tips work well for you, TIGHT LINES!

Captain Jim Onderdonk is a professional fishing guide who specializes in wadefishing for big speckled trout and redfish in Texas, and uses Brown Lures' salt water fishing lures. "Donk" suggests you try out some from Brown Lures for your next fishing trip.

Article Source: http://www.earticlesonline.com/Article/Wadefishing-at-night-with-Topwaters/497547

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